My most rewarding and memorable experiences working with CHAT kids come from including them in my weekend plans – doing in their eyes "grown-up stuff". Some of these times hanging out with the "fel'las" has involved fishing (something I do regularly), Richmond Braves games (another frequent activity), camping, and movie nights. In these times when the boys are outside of their normal environment and comfort zones their tough exterior seems to melt away and they can enjoy being young and boys.
In the different excursions they've played with minnows, chased down foul balls, and been surprised and abundantly excited by the dunking and disappearing of their bobber. One of the brave young men accepted a challenge and earned the nickname "Cricket" for eating a lively cricket for five dollars – after slowly chewing this jumpy creature he pulled a stick-like leg (the only surviving part of the cricket) out from between two teeth with a queasy grin he exclaimed, "I did it" – I'd say he earned every bit of his five dollars – not to mention the pride and respect he gained from his friends.
Part of being a boy is competing and facing challenges. It seems these young men are always facing healthy challenges when they are outside of their "normal neighborhood" environment. They've eaten organic crickets, sheepishly baited a hook for the first time, hesitantly learned how to take a fish off of their hook for fear of being teased by friends, and wrestled one another in my living room to show off their budding strength and manhood. These activities seem normal to me and were abundant in my childhood, yet these children rarely get to participate in these activities. For most of them these are new experiences that build confidence, friendships, and teach them life skills they won't learn in their neighborhood or from their families.
Nothing is more motivating to me than having these kids beg and plead for more of these activities because they truly enjoy them. My prayer and belief is that by being a role-model, a friend, and sharing my 'ordinary' life with these "fellas", I will make a lasting difference in their life. I see hope and excitement in their eyes and that is enough motivation for me to continue to share what I have with them.
By: Jeremiah Winters
